This out-of-print LP features
Roy Eldridge
in generally superb form. Recorded during his visit to Paris with the
Benny Goodman
Sextet, the well-rounded set finds him a dominant force on seven selections (six of which are his compositions) with a French septet. In addition,
Eldridge
is heard in an exciting quintet with tenor saxophonist
Don Byas
(the trumpeter's
"Oh Shut Up"
is based on the chords of "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone"),
and
Claude Bolling
perform "Wild Man Blues" and "Fireworks" as duets reminiscent of the interplay of
Louis Armstrong
Earl Hines
, and
even takes three loose but fun piano solos. This music is highly recommended but will probably be difficult to find. ~ Scott Yanow